“A sample from Sonnen’s Aug. 6 drug test came back with a high T/E (testosterone-to-estrogen) level, which is indicative of anabolic steroid use,” the commission stated in a release.

CSAC officials also made formal Sonnen’s one-year suspension and $2,500 fine and 30-day window to appeal the ruling.

The release confirms an earlier report from MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that Sonnen was first flagged for possible steroid use on Sept. 2, and a second test validated the result on Sept. 14. The fighter was suspended two days later.

Sonnen delivered a pitch-perfect performance at the Aug. 7 event and he was well on his way to a decision victory before Silva shockingly tapped him out with a triangle choke in the final moments of the five-round fight.

A report issued Monday by SI.com‘s Josh Gross stated Sonnen actually notified CSAC Executive Director George Dodd that he may test positive for an illegal substance on Aug. 6, though he did not disclose what he took.

Sonnen is scheduled to appear Thursday on ESPN’s “MMA Live” to make his first public statement since news of the failed test broke. Meanwhile, the rematch he earned with Silva appears to be on indefinite hold as the UFC has targeted Vitor Belfort for a crack at Silva’s belt, likely at UFC 125 on Jan. 1 in Las Vegas.

A sample from Sonnen’s August 6 drug test came back with a high T/E (testosterone-to-estrogen) level, which is indicative of anaboloic steroid use. CSAC learned of the results September 2 and ordered a second test, which also came back positive for steroid use. CSAC received test results from the second sample on September 14 and suspended Sonnen two days later. He is suspended for one year. Sonnen has 30 days to appeal the decision.

“The use of anabolic steroids and other banned substances are not tolerated by the commission,” said CSAC Executive Officer George Dodd. “Anabolic agents put the health and safety of both the user and his opponents at risk.”

Sonnen’s test was observed in the presence of a CSAC representative and the sample was sent to the World Anti-doping Agency test facility at the University of California, Los Angeles on August 6, 2010 for processing.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.